Aesthetic Quality Assessment of Landscapes as a Model for Urban Forest Areas: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Aesthetic experience in a forest can typically be associated with attractive forest scenery that gives people a sense of visual pleasure. Characterized as a visual product based on people’s reactions towards various combinations of landscape settings, features, and objects, this type of natural visual pleasure may benefit people’s well-being, promotes natural and cultural heritage preservation, and encourages the growth of the eco-tourism industry. While most research on forest aesthetics focuses on non-urban settings, this study examines aesthetics in the context of urban forests. This study aims to systematically review landscape aesthetic assessment studies to propose a model for urban forests. We conducted a systematic review of research articles published from 2014 to 2020 by using three research journal databases, Science Direct, Scopus, and MDPI. In total, 55 research articles were identified and qualified for review based on the screening requirements. An additional 26 research articles were also included by using the snowball method to provide better understanding and outcomes for the study. The results were organized into these categories: definitions, benefits, philosophies, approaches, and variables for the aesthetic quality assessment in urban forest areas. In addition, we also found that aesthetic quality in urban forests is highly influenced by visual composition, visual sense, and visual conditions, which have also been proven to be important parts of forest functions and values that could contribute towards the preservation of urban green spaces.

Visual Aesthetic Quality Assessment of Urban Forests: A Conceptual Framework

“…The visual aesthetics of forests are of great value and are considered in both environmental and social research and management. Many public and researchers around the world value the visual aesthetics of forests for their significant impact on areas as diverse as well-being, health, and the economy [2]. The visual aesthetics of urban forests plays a significant role in improving the physical health of urban residents, producing benefits such as reduced stress, improved physical well-being for the elderly, enhanced disease recovery, walking motivation, improved attention capacity, a sense of good health and satisfaction, physical activity, and behavioral changes [2][3][4].…”

“…Many public and researchers around the world value the visual aesthetics of forests for their significant impact on areas as diverse as well-being, health, and the economy [2]. The visual aesthetics of urban forests plays a significant role in improving the physical health of urban residents, producing benefits such as reduced stress, improved physical well-being for the elderly, enhanced disease recovery, walking motivation, improved attention capacity, a sense of good health and satisfaction, physical activity, and behavioral changes [2][3][4]. In addition to providing locals with a natural experience in the city, the visual aesthetics of an urban forest can play a crucial role in ecotourism, as a tourist destination [2,5].…”

“…The visual aesthetics of urban forests plays a significant role in improving the physical health of urban residents, producing benefits such as reduced stress, improved physical well-being for the elderly, enhanced disease recovery, walking motivation, improved attention capacity, a sense of good health and satisfaction, physical activity, and behavioral changes [2][3][4]. In addition to providing locals with a natural experience in the city, the visual aesthetics of an urban forest can play a crucial role in ecotourism, as a tourist destination [2,5]. Aesthetic aspects influence tourists' experience and happiness, enhancing their loyalty and desire to return.…”

“…Aesthetic aspects influence tourists' experience and happiness, enhancing their loyalty and desire to return. When planning a trip, individuals primarily seek out venues with aesthetic attributes that enhance their pleasure [2,6]. Urban forest aesthetics can indirectly increase tourism and promote economic growth by contributing to an aesthetically pleasing green city [2].…”

“…When planning a trip, individuals primarily seek out venues with aesthetic attributes that enhance their pleasure [2,6]. Urban forest aesthetics can indirectly increase tourism and promote economic growth by contributing to an aesthetically pleasing green city [2]. In addition, urban forest aesthetic benefits are manifested in rises in property value, encouraging homeowners near forests to advocate forest aesthetic conservation due to the impact on real estate values [2,7].…”